Tesla to deliver first 30 Model 3s to customers Friday night

Tesla will deliver the first 30 of its new Model 3s to customers at a party for staff and invited guests Friday night, July 28.

Reports say the first 30 of the Model 3 electric cars will go to Tesla and SpaceX staff members, who are "more tolerant" of early bugs. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on July 3 that the Model 3 had passed all government regulatory requirements for its production to start two weeks ahead of schedule.

The Model 3 will represent a possible turning point for the electric carmaker's sales, as it is expected to fall in the $35,000 range -- with a $7,500 federal tax credit -- with a range of 215 miles while going zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The Associated Press compiled some notes of what they know about the specifics of Tesla's latest model. It will be similarly sized to the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, and can seat five adults. The Model 3 has Autopilot hardware, but buyers will have to spend a little extra to get the complete suite of the self-driving system.

Tesla hasn't revealed a great deal about the new model, other than the production goals, its price range and federal tax credits, among some other tidbits. The Palo Alto company has called the release of the Model 3 the next step in its "secret master plan."

"As part of our Model 3 launch preparations, we are significantly expanding our infrastructure to support Tesla owners by increasing the density and geographic footprint of our presence," a letter to shareholders from earlier in the year reads. "This year, we plan to add nearly 100 retail, delivery and service locations globally, representing an approximately 30% increase in facilities."

While Tesla has yet to start producing 5,000 vehicles a week this year yet, it has already set the goal make 10,000 Model 3s per week "at some point in 2018.

Michigan doesn't allow Tesla sales due to the fact that the company doesn't employ traditional dealerships. The Secretary of State has denied the electric car maker's application for dealership licenses in the past. The Palo-Alto company sued the state, its SOS Ruth Johnson, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Gov. Rick Snyder in September 2016. The company argued the state's ruling was unconstitutional.

Tesla has a showroom in Metro Detroit at the Somerset Mall in Troy. The gallery opened in December 2016, and has specialists available on the mall's first floor.